Recap by phillip woo

Raging favourite Divine Boy was patiently ridden third from the rear, still had three behind him coming to the final bend and finished willingly five deep to get up in the final few metres for a third straight win. Romantic Cash held the fence in second, worked to the lead three deep at the 70m and was nipped on the wire. Berlini travelled fifth from the rear, straightened three deep, pulled off the heels of Romantic Cash at the 100m and finished well thereafter to run down You Read My Mind for a placing. He's a winner waiting to happen. You Read My Mind cleared Romantic Cash to lead from a wide gate at the 650m, cornered two lengths on top and was stopping 50m out. High Five saved ground in midfield, stayed to the inside upon straightening and closed off steadily to just miss a Quartet spot. It was a long way back to Racing Hero who got going late after travelling near the back. He'll have to be kept safe with a return to Class Three. Go Baby Go kept up an even gallop following a prominent run. Lucky Double Eight didn't let down with two wider out following a one-off run in midfield. All Great Friends had no excuse after chasing the speed one off the fence. Eroico struggled after travelling without cover worse than midfield following a slow break.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (279)-MERCURY HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1200Metres

GOLDEN DEER began awkwardly and made contact with the hindquarters of ALL GREAT FRIENDS.

EROICO and JAZZY FEELING were slow to begin.

Near the 600 Metres, LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT was steadied away from the heels of GO BABY GO (V Cheminaud) which shifted in when not quite clear.

V Cheminaud was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance in similar circumstances.

EROICO raced wide and without cover from the 600 Metres.

Over the concluding stages, G Schofield (BERLINI) was obliged to stop riding due to DIVINE BOY shifting in under pressure.

A veterinary inspection of EROICO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, EROICO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.